INDEPENDENT firms in Atherton, Leigh and Tyldesley can apply for the latest offerings from a business cash pot.

Council chiefs in Wigan borough have reopened their Business Booster Fund for applications, with loans of up to £10,000 up for grabs.

First launched in 2017, the Deal for Business scheme is open to start-ups and smaller outfits.

One Leigh business to benefit from the fund has been Ratcliffe’s outdoor shop, which was handed £2,000 last year and secured sound advice.

Andrew Kerboas, of Ratcliffe’s, said: “Since signing up to The Deal for Business last year and accessing the grants, we have been able to develop our business quite quickly.”

For more details visit Wigan council’s website at www.wigan.gov.uk